The former Buena High star anchored the defense as a freshman, leading the team with 85 tackles. He also had two sacks, eight tackles for a loss, a fumble recovery and an interception.

“Dru is just solid all the time. He’s is probably one of the most consistent defensive players I’ve played with … and he’s a leader who holds guys accountable, which is great,” said receiver Vinny Corso.

Corso led the team with 31 catches for 444 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman.

The Westlake High graduate was also team’s primary returner. He also led the team by averaging more than 100 all-purpose yards per game.

IMPACT NEWCOMERS

Defensive lineman Ivory Jackson, a transfer from Texas Tech, has already voted as a captain.

“Ivory is an animal,” Corso said. “He’s all over the place jumping and yelling in practice. He brings so much positive energy to our team.”

Mathis will be joined at linebacker by former Golden Valley High star D.J. Turner, who had nine sacks as a junior.

“He’s fit in well with our staff,” Stuart said. “He’s sort of like the future, in my opinion. He’s 6-6, very smart in the classroom and studies film a lot.”

COORDINATING CHANGES

The biggest addition defensively may be the head coach. Stuart returns to coordinating the defense after a one-year hiatus.

"He’s a defensive dude and a defensive guru," Mathis said. "It’s bringing a different kind of energy to the defense and it’s great. I’m excited to see what this season is going to bring for us for sure."

Moorpark actually turned over all three coordinator positions. Former Los Angeles Pierce head coach Jason Sabolic has been hired as offensive coordinator. Former Simi Valley High coach Ryan Taggart, the quarterbacks coach a year ago, has taken over special teams.

“I’m back in the war room of breaking down the film, doing all the practice plans,” Stuart said. “I’m enjoying it a lot more.”

CONFERENCE CHANGES

The SCFA Northern Conference has a new look this season, with powerhouse Long Beach City replacing Cerritos and East Los Angeles coming up from the American Division to replace Santa Monica.

Long Beach was 8-3 a year ago, beating Bakersfield 37-10 in the Patriotic Bowl. East L.A. was 7-3, but missed the postseason on a head-to-head tiebreaker.

Traditional foes Ventura, Bakersfield and Canyons remain in the conference.

SEASON OPENER

Moorpark opens the season Saturday by hosting Palomar College in a nonconference game. The teams have played each other the last two years with the road team winning. Palomar won 38-24 at Moorpark last year. The Raiders won 31-26 at Palomar in 2016.

SCHEDULE

With visits from Cerritos on Sept. 8 and Saddleback on Sept. 22, as well as a trip to El Camino on Sept. 29, the nonconference schedule remains tough.

Moorpark will also host Canyons in a rare Thursday night game on Oct. 11, giving it 10 days to prepare for the Citrus Cup rivalry game at Ventura on Oct. 20.